Following their dual triumphs last year, Alexandria Sporting Club (ASC) is eagerly anticipating another outstanding year as Egypt plays host to the newly introduced FIBA Africa Women’s Basketball League (AWBL) from December 11-19.
The club’s memorable achievements in 2022, securing titles in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, and Maputo, Mozambique, have left an indelible mark on their legacy.
Their historic accomplishments included winning the FIBA Africa Zone Five by defeating Kenya Ports Authority (KPA) 78-67 in the Dar es Salaam Finals to claim the regional title.
Subsequently, they became the first Egyptian team to clinch the FIBA Africa Champions Cup Women by triumphing over the home team Costa Do Sol 65-58 in a hard-fought final in Maputo.
In the face of stiff competition, including a victory against five-time champions Interclube of Angola, ASC is determined to replicate their past success in the inaugural AWBL.
With domestic rivals Al Ahly opting out, ASC bears the hopes of millions of Egyptians, necessitating their best performance.
Teams securing spots in the 2023 festival include Kenya Ports Authority (Kenya), Rwanda Energy Group (Rwanda), Up Station, and Universite Douala (Cameroon). From Angola, formidable challenges are expected from Primeiro de Agosto and Interclube.
Coach Mohamed Abdelrahman, expressing confidence in his team, revealed that preparations for the tournament began in August. He believes they are better than the previous year and is committed to defending their crown and securing another title.
Mohamed has retained the players who excelled in the last championship and strengthened the squad by adding four frontcourt players: Hala el Sharawy, Nour Talat, Aya el Feqy, and Senegalese Yacine Diop. ASC captain Hagar Amer, named Most Valuable Player (MVP) in the previous tournaments, remains determined, leading the team alongside key national players Ager, Asraf Maged, Reem Mousa, and Nourhan Ahmed.
Coach Mohamed, optimistic about their chances, is aiming for back-to-back titles. ASC is poised to join the elite clubs from Mozambique and Angola who have achieved this feat, and they are determined to uphold their championship status, especially with the tournament taking place on their home turf.
